Description
A Clinic Veterinary Technician is responsible for assisting the Humane Society of Ventura County's veterinarian and other clinic staff members with multiple types of procedures. This employee provides the highest quality of care for animals in areas such as physical examinations, restraint, dental procedures, surgeries, immunizations, euthanasia, etc. The employee must have good customer service skills and demonstrate capability educating the public on animal health and treatment. It is required that the employee maintain a positive and professional attitude while working with other employees, volunteers, visitors, and the public. The employee should support and advocate for the philosophy, programs, and policies of the Humane Society of Ventura County.
ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS
Clinic Operations:
- Will work in all aspects of a high-volume, high-quality spay/neuter surgery clinic including prepping animals for surgery, administering, and monitoring anesthesia, assisting the veterinarian during surgery, and post-operative management of veterinary patients.
- Follow written SOPs.
- Ability to multitask and work in a safe and efficient manner.
- Knowledge of anesthetic protocols, common side effects and potential complications. Proficient in venipuncture, the ability to induce anesthesia, etc.
- Familiar with the use of medical equipment and tools like autoclaves, catheters, IV pumps, and monitors, anesthesia equipment, etc.
- Comfortable with the use of safety equipment for fractious or feral animals.
- Inform veterinarian of any abnormal behavior, illness, disease and/or injury prior to, during or following surgery
- Prepares patients, instruments, and equipment for surgery.
- Ensures that monitoring and support equipment such as anesthetic machines, cardiac monitors, heating devices and breathing apparatus are in good working condition.
- Adept at responding to medical emergencies calmly, quickly, and efficiently.
- Able to obtain a Veterinary Assistant Controlled Substance Permit and/or maintain Registered Veterinary Technician licensure.
- Demonstrates knowledge of the procedures used for receiving, treating, and scheduling patients, for ordering medical supplies, and requesting laboratory tests.
- Demonstrates knowledge of the use, care, and storage of veterinary instruments, materials, and equipment
- Demonstrates knowledge of sterilization techniques for various instruments and materials and maintaining sterile fields.
- Demonstrates knowledge of the instruments, materials, and standardized procedures used in the full variety of treatments to prepare and provide table-side assistance.
- Demonstrates knowledge of the principles and processes for providing client services.
- Assists with appointment scheduling, appointment processing and phone communications as needed.
- This includes taking down voicemails DAILY, returning client phone calls as expediently as possible, checking and replying to clinic and personal work emails, etc.
- Registration of microchips, as needed.
- Scheduling euthanasia appointments and ensuring proper documentation is obtained (see “Euthanasia SOP”).
- These calls take priority over any other clinic return calls, with the exception of post-op complication call-backs
- Ensures accurate medical records, entering of medical records, and patient identification.
- Communicates with and educates pet owners about preventative health, such as spay and neuter procedures, microchipping, vaccines, flea preventatives, and pre- and post-operative procedures and instructions, medication instructions and administration.
- Assist with vaccination, wellness and euthanasia appointments.
- Ensure correct data entry, knowledgeable of current vaccination protocols and recommendations.
- Safely and currently administer vaccinations, administer deworming and flea medication, and microchip dogs and cats.
- Ensure proper processing of euthanasia remains and bag documentation
- Maintains inventory of pharmaceuticals, equipment, and materials
- Shelter Operations, General:
- Must obtain Fear Free Sheltering Certificate by completing the Fear Free Sheltering course. Fear Free and gentle handling techniques should be used whenever possible.
- Participation is Shelter Rounds as required; ability to assess shelter animal welfare from medical and behavioral observation. Monitor patients on medication and assess responses to treatment.
- Help maintain accurate shelter animal medical records, etc. in Chameleon.
- Demonstrate respect, cooperation, and excellent communication with members of other departments.
- Demonstrates skilled animal handling for all animals and willingness to provide direct care to cats and dogs of all sizes and types.
- Collects specimens and performs routine laboratory procedures and tests in hematology, biochemistry, chemistry, microbiology, urinalysis, and serology to assist in the diagnosis and treatment of shelter animal health conditions.
- Dispense and administer medications, vaccines, serums, and treatments as prescribed by the HSVC veterinarian.
- Administer fluids and medications as prescribed by the HSVC veterinarian.
- Provide specialized nursing care for injured or ill animals.
- Will work independently on assigned tasks as well as being given direction on how to complete certain assignments.
- Demonstrate and apply knowledge of proper protocols in the administration of medications and treatments, and the most current protocols relating to communicable diseases. Follow written SOPs.
- Maintains a clean and sanitary facility that is visually appealing to clients and staff.
- Adheres to clinic sanitation protocols, has training and knowledge on the use of PPE, prevention of disease transmission, fomites, etc.
- Works as a team in all aspects of sanitation including waste removal, garbage removal, kennel and floor sanitation, laundry, etc.
- Adheres to all safety and security regulations and training.
- Participates in meetings and responds to management communications as required.
- Understands and demonstrates that regular attendance and timeliness are essential.
- Promotes cooperative working environments among other shelter departments and staff members; understands the value of teamwork; shows enthusiasm and willingness to perform as necessary to help the clinic and shelter function as a unit.
- Communicates objectives, motivates staff, builds, and maintains morale.
- Knowledgeable regarding related federal and state animal health laws and regulations including the state medical board, OSHA, and DEA.
- Assists in other departments, as required, and is available to assist during the event of a natural disaster and/or emergency including afterhours as needed.
Requirements
In addition to the duties listed above, the Humane Society of Ventura County expects the following of each employee:
- Adhere to HSVC policies and procedures.
- Work in a safe manner
- Act as a role model within and outside of HSVC
- Perform duties as workload necessitates.
- Maintains a positive and respectful attitude
- Communicates regularly with supervisor about department issues
- Demonstrates efficient time management and prioritizes workload
- Consistently reports to work on time prepared to perform duties of the position
- Meets department productivity standards
- Participates in HSVC events as needed or required
- Completes other duties as assigned.
Working Conditions:
- Fast paced work environment with possible exposure to infectious organisms, animal waste, chemical materials requiring OSHA Material Safety Data sheets and potential hostile persons and/or vicious animals.
- This position requires occasional weekend availability and occasional travel to off-site events
- Work is performed within an animal shelter where loud noises, disease, and exposure to hazards are possible.
- Physical requirements may include bending, standing for long periods, stooping, reaching and other physical demands.
- Must be able to safely restrain large and/or agitated animals.
- Frequently lift and/or move up to 50 pounds for 100 feet.
- Assistance will be required when working with large animals.
